Army Corps of Engineers reports on future water resources development reviewed

The House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment recently held a hearing on the Army Corps of Engineer’s activities on future water resources development, reviewing required reports as the subcommittee prepares for the next Water Resource Development Act (WRDA).

“We intend to review these critical documents to ensure they balance critical investments in infrastructure along with environmental protections,” U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH), chairman of the subcommittee, said in his opening remarks.

The subcommittee and the hearing witnesses — Assistant Secretary of the Army-Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy and Corps Chief of Engineers Lieutenant General Thomas Bostick — discussed both the Annual Report and the Chief’s Reports. The former covers the Corps’ activities related it its missions, while the latter covers the feasibility and recommendations of specific projects.

“The Corps of Engineers planning process considers economic development and environmental needs as it addresses water resources challenges,” Gibbs said. “The planning process addresses the nation’s water resources needs by exploring a full range of alternatives in developing solutions that meet both national and local needs…All of these Chief’s Reports, while tailored to meet locally developed needs, have national economic and environmental benefits.”